US urges vaccination ahead of Omicron concerns, with experts warning even mild Covid infections risk stronger mutations

As scientists race to answer whether the newly identified Omicron variant poses a greater threat, experts are urging measures to help lower coronavirus risks to millions of Americans -- including vaccinations and mask wearing.

It will be at least two weeks until scientists can answer key questions as to whether Omicron's mutations make it more resistant to vaccines, more transmissible or more severe. But while the world waits for answers, US officials are reiterating that vaccinations are still the best way forward in an ongoing pandemic.